Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1887-01-06


her again this side of heaven, where he
awaits her coming.
Soldiers, the part assigned me here to-
day Is to welcome you TO this beautiful
home, provided for you by grateful peo-
pie who are glad to care for you when you
are unable TO care for yourselves. You
do not come here as paupers. The great
state of Michigan does not name you thus,
but in her gratitude that in the hour of
our country's peril you with brave hearts
and in the vigor of youth volunteered TO
face the enemy that no one of them should
set foot upon her SOIL she welcomes you
here. Calamity and well you performed
your part and to-day the union flag floats
all over the great land, thanks To the sol
diers of the union cause and to them alone.
1t is needless for me to here attempt to
describe your struggles in parting from
home and loved ones, or the terrible or
deal through which you passed; neither
the scenes you witnessed nor the suffering
you endured; no, nor speak of the dear
companions you laid silently in the
trenches and coftinless graves Nor need
more than mention your return to your
homes with pride swelling your hearts,
although broken in body and wrecked in
health. Others more eloquent than will
follow here, whose words will quicken
y our pulse and make you feel that you are
young again. My part is, In the name of
the loyal, grateful people of the grand
Here is, and shall continue to be your
home until one by one you are mustered
out. And while this poor clay may be
lain upon the hillside, the soul that buS yed
you up and carried you through that
mighty struggle will burst its bands and
be carried triumphant to its reward. Com
rades, again welcome you to this home
To you it is dedicated by our state.
Coy elect Luce was then called upon to
make a few remarks and responded as fol-
lows:
the ages all countries have honored their
heroes. The recording hand of the histor-
ian has handed down from generation to
generation the heroic deeds and valor of
warriors who have led on to victory or
defeat their cohorts Both sacred and pro-
fame history tell of wars and rumors of
wars until we are led to believe that war
and the slaughter of men has been the chief
occupation of the race, but it Is only the
generals, the colonies and the captains
whose records appear on the pages of his
tory. We read of the king who fought,
bled and died, but nothing is said of the
common soldier who gave his life for coun-
try and flag. We read of Alexander, of
Napoleon and of Wellington, but the sol
der who fought az bravely is unwept and
forgotten. But our own country, while
doing justice to the patriotism, courage
and greatness OF its generals is proclaim
ing to the world that republics are not al
W avs ungrateful to the common soldier.
We do honor to the man who leads
armies TO victory and never to defeat. We
mingle our tears in common grief around
the bier of him whom the world has accord
ed "A high place as great commander. We
also follow with our prayers and do honor
to the hero, warrior and statesman who
has so recently been called to come up
higher. We also honor the men who went
in ha lyo n Oh
country, home and flag. We do remember,
and will continue so to do, while our flag
floats, the men who endured the hardships
of the camp and the dangers of the battle
field with but slight hope OF promotion.
Michigan sent 30, 900 men TO the most terri
BILE war of modern times. No Michigan
regiment ever did discredit or brought dis
honor to tie colors of state or nation.
No great battle was fought in that great
strife where Michigan men were not TO the
front ranks. Our boys were found at Bull
Run, Donelson, Chicamauga, Stone
River and at Atlanta. Many of them
were with Sherman in his march to
the sea. They were at Antietam
and Gettysburg, at Charlottesville and at
Vicksburg. They were in the first great
battle of the war and at Appomattox, the
last one. They slept on the cold, damp
earth with nothing to look down upon
them but the friendly stars. Through
their exposure many OF them were disa-
bled in n manner that tells upon the strong
frame and robust constitution in after
years. Many of these were poor and un-
fortunate. The state of Michigan, ever
forward in good works, remembering the
deeds of her heroic sons, has provided am
ply for the wants OF these men. This com
modious home has been provided, and here
these old soldiers are now and they are to
remain the wards of a grateful state
While the broken in health cannot be re-
stored, here shall be found comfort, plenty
and kind treatment for the men who fought
in the ranks as well as for those who led in
the strife. As you may recover and be-
come strong again, or as you may be called
hence, others will come who will need the
places now occupied by you. That you
may live long and enjoy the blessings of a
government you did SO much TO save is my
tervent wish.
War Governor Blair was next called for.
He dwelt tenderly on the memory of Gen.
Logan and eulogiZed the departed hero.
Then turning to the scene around him he
said the home was the fulfillment of the
promise made by the state to the soldiers
her 90,00O defenders, if killed, that their
widows ana orphans would be cared for
and that monuments would be erected
over their graves, and that IL disabled they
would be cared for in old age and misfor-
tune by the people. This home was estab-
lished TO fulfill this last promise-Michi-
gan's disabled veterans would be tenderly
cared for and sheltered during the remain
der of their life. Gov. Blair was tremen-
dously applauded during his speech aud
three cheers were given him at its close.
Gen. Cutcheon opened his speech with a
touching reference to Gen. Logan's death
and an eloquent panegyric OF his qualities
as soldier, statesman and citizen. His
best loved title was 1.-The soldiers friend. 1"
ha1 81 faA mi f.h
pleasure his visit to Grand Rapids. Gen.
Cutcheon then referred to the soldiers
home as a debt paid to the soldiers by the
people of Michigan. Although built with
state funds IL draws no narrow state lines
as to those who shall receive its benefits.
Any loyal, honorably discharged soldier is
welcome across its portals. IL Is built upon
no narrow estate rights foundation, but
upon broad loyal foundation, as broad
as the cause for which these men fought
and suffered. The speaker dwelt forcibly
upon its character as home In the full
meaning of the word The veteran will
not sit at its table as a guest but with full
proprietary rights He will be one OF the
household circle. The building and dedi-
cation OF this home, he said, is the crown
ing act OF the administration of our soldier
governor. Gen. Cutcheon closed with a
magnificent tribute to the soldier, and
said Here and now let us dedicate ouri
selves to that work which Logan laid
down-ample and complete justice to the
men who faced death in hundred fright
full forms that the government of our
fathers might also be the heritage Of our
children"
Ex-senator Thomas W. Ferry responded
briefly and said the home would be an in
SEPARATION for the rising generations Of
young men.
State Senator Woodruff, who took a
prominent part in the passage of the bill
creating the home, related his experience
in working for it.
Judge Morse was called for by Gov. Al